of a Trumpet, and saw also a Man sit upon a Cloud, attended with the thousands of Heaven; they were all in flaming fire, also the Heavens was on a burning flame.  I heard then a voice saying, Arise ye Dead, and come to Judgement; and with that the Rocks rent, the Graves opened, and the Dead that were therein came forth.  Some of them were exceeding glad, and looked upward; and some sought to hide themselves under the Mountains.  Then I saw the Man that sat upon the Cloud open the Book, and bid the World draw near.  Yet there was, by reason of a fierce Flame which issued out and came from before him, a convenient distance betwixt him and them, as betwixt the Judge and the Prisoners at the bar.  I heard it also proclaimed to them that attended on the Man that sat on the Cloud, Gather together the Tares, the Chaff, and Stubble, and cast them into the burning Lake. And with that, the bottomless pit opened, just whereabout I stood; out of the mouth of which there came in an abundant manner, Smoak and Coals of fire, with hideous noises.  It was also said to the same persons, Gather my Wheat into my Garner.  And with that I saw many catch’t up and carried away into the Clouds, but I was left behind.  I also sought to hide myself, but I could not, for the Man that sat upon the Cloud still kept his eye upon me:  my sins also came into my mind; and my Conscience did accuse me on every side.  Upon this I awaked from my sleep.

Chr. But what was it that made you so afraid of this sight?

Man. Why, I thought that the day of Judgement was come, and that I was not ready for it:  but this frighted me most, that the Angels gathered up several, and left me behind; also the pit of Hell opened her mouth just where I stood:  my Conscience too within afflicted me; and as I thought, the Judge had always his eye upon me, shewing indignation in his countenance.

Then said the Interpreter to Christian, Hast thou considered all these things?

Chr. Yes, and they put me in hope and fear.

Inter. Well, keep all things so in thy mind that they may be as a Goad in thy sides, to prick thee forward in the way thou must go.  Then Christian began to gird up his loins, and to address himself to his Journey.  Then said the Interpreter, The Comforter be always with thee, good Christian, to guide thee in the way that leads to the City.  So Christian went on his way, saying—­

  Here I have seen things rare and profitable;
  Things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable
  In what I have began to take in hand;
  Then let me think on them, and understand
  Wherefore they shew’d me was, and let me be
  Thankful, O good Interpreter, to thee.

AT THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

By John Bunyan

Behold there was a very stately Palace before him, the name of which was Beautiful; and it stood just by the High-way side.